Pumpkin Energy Bites

I made these for our snack/treat's this week and the boys always want to devour all of them before I can stash them in the freezer! 

The recipe called them granola bars; which would be just as awesome but I like to make the little balls; the boys think they are 'cookie's' so its a win-win! You can also add some superfoods or protein powder to the mix for a quick and easy to go breakfast--these are perfect for pre or post workout or just a quick snack in the afternoon! 

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup nut or seed butter of choice
• 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup chopped pecans, I used pumpkin seeds themselves!
• ¼ cup mini-chocolate chips

To Make;  

1. In a food process or blender, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, nut butter of choice, syrup, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract. Process on until it looks well blended;  Scrape sides as needed, some of the oats will most likely be whole still but we like it that way! 
2. Transfer mixture to bowl. Fold in seeds and chocolate chips.
3.  Get your rolling fingers out and start rolling! We like to use a Teaspoon measuring spoon to shape ours--the perfect size. 
4. They hold up best if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, or we like to keep ours in the freezer!
5. 
   

And ENJOY! 

Let me know how you like them! 

Recipe Credit: The Real Food Dietitians